CELEBRATE YOURSELF
This is a subject I am passionate about and feel that it needs more attention and discussion. It's something that not only involves physical well being as well as mental - which is equally as important and I hope that you can finish reading this post feel that bit better about yourself.
DON'T BE SO HARD ON YOURSELF
I find that it is so easy for us to be critical of ourselves and constantly put ourselves under immense pressure to achieve and strive for perfection. This is not always a healthy mindset to have and can lead us to comparing ourselves to others and think of, said others, as competition. But after-all comparison is the thief of joy and I like to say that "Individuality is one of the best things we have and if that ever comes into compromise, that's when we lose the essence of our being." So at the end of the day, strive to be the best YOU that you can be because no one else could possibly compare.
In the tag I've created, I talk about 10 characteristics _ and/ or physical that I like about myself and there might not be a reason for them but there doesn't have to be. Though there are things that might be flawed I don't disclose them because its abut completely loving yourself - flaws and all, but still choosing to celebrate them none the less. Because, let's face it, nobody's perfect.
IMAGE VS. REALITY
This is something that just isn't talked about enough sometimes. In this day and age it seems as if we are constantly fed this ideal of absolute perfection to fit a 'mould' that is thought of as beautiful, suitable or attractive in the media that derive from pressures that have been created and largely accepted in society. But it's highly important to question and give a thought to the so called ideals of perfection because often they are not what they seem. Most of the images we see aren't what they appear to be. They are often retouched, edited and manipulated to present create a gulf between what exists and what some would like to exist. This can make us feel inadequate and buy into the latest trend or fad to make us think that through what is sold to us we can achieve perfection. And that is simply not the case. Because we aren't perfect in the first place and never can be. Please remember that this is not a bad thing. This means that we are limitless. We can continue to be hungry and push ourselves to be even better. What's more is that it's easy to forget that these models and celebrities we think of as perfection have insecurities and flaws just like we do, and they too will have those days where they don't feel 100% and this is because we're human. Also think of the pressure they are under to level up to perfection - they are put under a magnifying glass for all to see. So next time you flick through a magazine and think, look at her flawless poreless skin - remember to consider the effort that most likely went into the manipulation of that image, because in reality the model has pore- just because you can't see them doesn't mean they're not there.
This is something that just isn't talked about enough sometimes. In this day and age it seems as if we are constantly fed this ideal of absolute perfection to fit a 'mould' that is thought of as beautiful, suitable or attractive in the media that derive from pressures that have been created and largely accepted in society. But it's highly important to question and give a thought to the so called ideals of perfection because often they are not what they seem. Most of the images we see aren't what they appear to be. They are often retouched, edited and manipulated to present create a gulf between what exists and what some would like to exist. This can make us feel inadequate and buy into the latest trend or fad to make us think that through what is sold to us we can achieve perfection. And that is simply not the case. Because we aren't perfect in the first place and never can be. Please remember that this is not a bad thing. This means that we are limitless. We can continue to be hungry and push ourselves to be even better. What's more is that it's easy to forget that these models and celebrities we think of as perfection have insecurities and flaws just like we do, and they too will have those days where they don't feel 100% and this is because we're human. Also think of the pressure they are under to level up to perfection - they are put under a magnifying glass for all to see. So next time you flick through a magazine and think, look at her flawless poreless skin - remember to consider the effort that most likely went into the manipulation of that image, because in reality the model has pore- just because you can't see them doesn't mean they're not there.
YOU HAVE VALUE SO CELEBRATE YOURSELF
You are good enough. You are incredibly valuable so give yourself more credit and start loving yourself. I find that when people devalue themselves and others this is when bad things can happen. The Holocaust is a drastic but relevant example of this. People were systematically exterminated due to the thought that they were useless. This word useless is key here. We all have all have a function, purpose, reason for being on this planet. No one is worthless. I believe that each individual is instrumental and even though we aren't always appreciated all the time, it doesn't mean that someone doesn't care, think of, or isn't concerned for you. I love this quote 'You is kind. You is smart. You is important.' - from Kathryn Stockett's 'The Help' (an amazing and moving book). These are words to live by. We are all important and integral to the ecosystems of the lives of others in ways that we do not always consider. So the next time you feel as if you're without worth or that no one cares just know that someone does, and if you really can't think of anyone I'm thinking of you and your priceless - your value cannot be measured.
SPREAD LOVE POSITIVITY
Stop body shaming. Don't spread hate and negativity those who seem to fit the 'mould' that is seen as acceptable or beautiful we all have insecurities and beauty is within the eye of the beholder. I remember watching an interview whereby an interviewer remarked to Louise Roe, a fabulous fashionista and blogger, that she had nothing to be self-conscious about, but Louise remarked that she still has insecurities like any other person nonetheless. And I hold up my hands and say that I'm guilty of forgetting this, but it's important to commit this to memory. Likewise don't pull down those who don't 'fit' mainstream ideals of what is considered normal and attractive because who are you to judge? And in most cases whereby people remark negatively on others, it's most likely that they're insecure themselves and just happen to project onto what they desire to be. I see and hear this all the time so if you are affected by this, please try not to take it personally. Also, try to go out of your way to give some some little boost as often as you can, perhaps with a compliment - this can go a long way brighten someone's day. So I challenge you to walk up to someone when you're out and about and give them an honest compliment. If people did this on a daily basis I almost certain there would be less grumpy people about!
INSPIRATIONS FOR THIS POST
A special thanks to the people listed below who gave me the inspiration and confidence to put myself out there and create this tag.
A special thanks to the people listed below who gave me the inspiration and confidence to put myself out there and create this tag.
- Nalini, my bestie that came up with the term #BODYPROUD
- The Lean Machines with body shaming, body dysmorphia, beat eating disorders & image vs. reality
- Estee Lalonde with her story & dear me video
- Shirley B. Eniang with body image & confidence
- Louise aka Sprinkle of Glitter with body confidence tips
- Zoella with Louise ^ with chummy chatter
- Carrie Fletcher with happy and healthy
- Carly Rowena with her channel
- Ella Grace Denton 'We are not eating out of love for our bodies, we are eating out of dislike and hate – and this is where it always goes wrong. Because we are eating out of dislike, we will only ever see more dislike in ourselves.' extract taken from 'we need to live more'.
- Demi Lovato. Need I say more? She is a courageous woman who has overcome so much and spreads awareness, positivity and love. She is a responsible celebrity and there just aren't enough of those around.
Other inspirations include the women from The Real (check out their youtube channel here). So that's Tamera Mowry-Housley, Loni Love, Adrienne Bailon, Jeannie Mai and Tamar Braxton. These empowering ladies spread such love and positivity in their daily talk show with they heart to hearts and their honesty, which was invaluable in prompting me to start being #BODYPROUD. So definitely check them out - they always put a smile on my face!
#BODYPROUD TAG
I have created the #BODYPROUD tag, mine is in video.
Feel free to check it out below.
Thus I encourage you to use the hashtag and share what you love about yourself, and what characteristcs make you #BODYPROUD whether that be a video response, blogpost, tweet or status. Anything you want it to be, just be sure to use #BODYPROUD. And for those of you that feel like there's nothing to be proud of ask your family, friends, loved ones, classmates, colleagues teacher etc. and I'm certain they'll have good something to say about you.
So that's all for this post, I'm signing off. Thanks for reading - and if this has helped even one of you out there I'm elated, as well as content, and hope that you will spread the message of positive and self-love.
Much love,
Margaret xXx
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